After Beyoncé’s performance during the NFL halftime show on Christmas Day, she became the focus of social media controversy. The hometown Houston Texans were playing the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, when the R&B legend took the stage. The game had already generated strong feelings before she took the stage. Beyoncé’s eagerly awaited live performance was made possible by the Ravens’ lopsided victory over the Texans. In homage to the equestrian imagery that is prominently featured on the covers of her most recent albums, Renaissance and Cowboy Carter, the 43-year-old superstar made her grand entrance on a striking white horse. But during her performance of her hit song, Texas Hold’Em, she made a finger gesture that looked like a gun, which drew criticism.

Behind her, a huge banner with the word “BANG” unfolded, intensifying the already controversial moment. The spectacle was enhanced by Beyoncé’s delivery of this dramatic moment while standing atop specially constructed scaffolding. Because the gesture complied with NFL rules that forbid such behavior on the field, it caused controversy. Because players who break this rule are given a 15-yard penalty, Beyoncé’s use of the gesture in a football game is especially controversial. The 32-time Grammy winner wowed her hometown Houston audience with a nearly 13-minute performance on Wednesday, riding into her halftime appearance on a white horse.

🚨 BEYONCÉ & BLUE IVY pic.twitter.com/rD3KQwqDRX

— Beyoncé Access 🇧🇷 (@beyonceaccess) December 25, 2024

Before Post Malone joined her for Levi’s Jeans, she shocked fans by bringing out Shaboozey to perform Sweet Honey Buckiin.